Foster carer guidelines

Contacts

Who do I contact if there are any issues?

 

  • Contact your coordinator directly:

    • Trisha: 0422 570 822

    • Jenny: 0414 999 945

  • For emergencies, call Trisha first.

 

    Google Drive Overview

    We use Google Drive to manage and track all greyhound-related information.

    Carer Information

    • Access fact sheets, training resources, and guides for foster carers.

    Dog Profiles

    • Each foster dog has a dedicated folder.

    • Upload vet paperwork, behaviour assessments, and photos here.

    HIH Dog Tracker

    • Tracks health data including:

      • Vaccinations

      • Worming

      • Desexing

      • Any additional health updates

    Expectations for Foster Carers

    What to Expect on the First Night

    Many greyhounds experience stress during their first night in foster care. Common signs include:

    • Heavy panting

    • Timidity or hiding

    • Excessive water drinking

    • Chewing paws

    • Refusing food or water

    • Pacing or cowering

    Support Tips:

    • Provide a quiet, safe space (e.g. crate or calm room)

    • Be patient and avoid forcing interaction

    • Check ears, eyes, teeth, gums, nails, and paws

    • Watch for fleas, limping, worms, or general discomfort

    • Administer NexGard Spectra on Day 1 and update the tracker

    • A calming walk may help build trust

    The 3-3-3 Rule: Decompression Timeline

    • 3 Days: Dog feels overwhelmed; may not eat or engage

    • 3 Weeks: Begins to settle and learn your routine

    • 3 Months: Fully adjusted, trusting, and bonded

    Common Questions & Early Challenges

    Toilet Training

    • Varies; some are trained, others are not. Expect accidents and prepare to train.

    Floor Types

    • Some fear tiles or floorboards. Use yoga mats or runners to ease movement.

    Stairs

    • Many require time, treats, and encouragement to learn.

    Leash Walking

    • For the first week, limit to your yard.

    • Use a muzzle and avoid unfamiliar dogs until behavioural assessment is complete.

    Leash Reactivity

    • Often fear-based. Use quiet walking areas, treats, and distance.

    Dog Parks

    • Not allowed until the greyhound has been assessed and approved by your coordinator.

    Aggression

    • Growling is communication, not always aggression. Give space and observe.

    Resource Guarding

    • Possible with toys, food, or space.

    • Use high-value treat swaps instead of force.

    • Report incidents to your coordinator.

    Sofa and Bed Boundaries

    • Train to use their own space. Avoid sharing beds if guarding occurs.

    Sleep Startle

    • Wake gently: call their name or turn on a light. Avoid sudden touch or looming.

    Toys

    • Monitor for guarding. Use tug games to build sharing behaviour.

    General Health and Care

    Daily Checks

    • Inspect nails, ears, eyes, skin, paw pads

    • Use balm on paws, trim nails (via vet or Dremel), and watch for corns

    Feeding

    • Dry food is provided

    • Fresh food is your responsibility (see guidelines)

    • Meat donations may be available—ask your coordinator

    Veterinary Care

    Standard Treatments

    • Desexing

    • C5/C7 vaccinations

    • Heartworm test

    • Dental cleaning (if needed)

    Pre-Surgery Guidelines:

    • No food after 9:00pm the night before

    • Drop-off at 8:00am

    • Pick-up ~4:30pm

    • Collect vet documents and upload them to Drive

    Vet Visit Rules

    • All vet visits must be approved in advance (except in emergencies)

    • Coordinators manage payments or reimbursements

    Common Clinics:

    • Greystanes Veterinary Clinic

    • Glebe Veterinary Clinic

    Greyhound Assessment

    Foster carers are responsible for completing a Greyhound Assessment Form, which provides essential information for adoption matching. This form must be uploaded to your foster dog’s Google Drive folder.

    What to Observe

    Leash Walking

    • Freezing, pulling, fear reactions

    • Sensitivity to noise or traffic

    • Prey drive or reactivity

    • Lameness or pain

    Interaction with Other Dogs

    • Friendly, avoidant, or reactive

    • Comfort level in multi-dog homes

    • Use a muzzle during introductions

    Stairs

    • Ability to go up/down

    • Hesitancy or fear

    • Use treats and repetition

    Sleep Startle

    • Startle, growling, or fear when woken

    • Mitigation: quiet sleeping areas, no sofas/beds, gentle wake-ups

    Food Aggression

    • Feed separately

    • Observe stress or guarding

    • Never reach into the bowl

    Prey Drive

    • Signs: intense staring, stalking, fixation

    • Always assess with a muzzle

    • Note "No small dogs" if necessary

    Children

    • Reactions to movement and noise

    • Comfort level around kids

    • Teach respectful interaction

    Resource Guarding

    • Monitor for guarding of items or people

    • Use treat swaps, never force removal

    • Report and document any issues

    Apartment Suitability

    • Indoor noise tolerance and settling

    • Behaviour in confined spaces

    ✅ Upload & Share

    • Complete the Greyhound Assessment Form (in Drive folder)

    • Upload it to Google Drive

    • Coordinator will use it during adoption matching

    A sample assessment form is available in the Drive under “Library of Resources.”

    Adoption Process

    Greyhound Ready for Adoption Checklist

    • Desexed and fully vaccinated

    • Healthy and free of untreated conditions

    • Comfortable walking, sleeping, and navigating stairs

    • Toilet trained or progressing well

    • Can be left alone for short periods

    • Behaviour and health fully documented

    • Suitable diet and lifestyle confirmed

    Adoption Stages

    Stage 1: Preparation

    • Complete dog history form:
      All About Me Form

    • Finalise greyhound assessment

    • Upload updated profile and photos

    • Mark dog as "Ready for Adoption" in tracker

    Stage 2: Matching

    • Coordinator reviews applications

    • Carer contacts shortlisted adopters

    • Meet & greet (walk or home visit)

    • If suitable, adoption paperwork is issued

    • Finalise and arrange handover

    Note: All adoptions include a 2-week trial. If the dog is returned during this period, the adoption fee is refunded (less $100).